ASSESSING ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH WITH MENTAL-Q (MENTAL HEALTH NAVIGATION TOOL FOR STUDENTS – QUESTIONNAIRE)

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is a significant worldwide concern, and it is increasingly recognized that effective assessment tools are essential for identifying and treating mental health issues early on. This study examines mental health challenges and coping strategies among junior high school students using the MENTAL- Q (Mental Health Navigation Tool for Students - Questionnaire). The survey involved 261 students from SMP N “X” Bandung, SMP N “Y” Bandung, and SMP N “Z” Darmaraja Sumedang, assessing 37 statements of psychological well-being. Key findings include: (1) Prevalent academic stress, with 60% of respondents reporting sleep disturbances due to school pressures and 45% experiencing test anxiety; (2) Social-emotional difficulties, including fear of group work (35%) and negative self-comparison (40%); and (3) Effective coping strategies such as peer support (45%), physical activity (30%), and self-acceptance techniques (25%). Gender analysis revealed female students reported significantly higher stress levels (mean=3.8/5) than males (mean=2.9/5). The MENTAL-Q data demonstrates its utility in identifying at-risk students and underscores the urgency for school-based mental health programs. These results provide empirical evidence for developing targeted interventions in Indonesian educational settings.